California Mortgage Calculator

In high-cost California counties including San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Los Angeles, and Orange, the 2026 FHFA conforming loan limit is $1,209,750. In standard counties, the limit is $806,500. Loans above these limits are classified as jumbo loans and typically require higher credit scores and larger down payments. Source: FHFA 2026 Conforming Loan Limits (https://www.fhfa.gov/data/conforming-loan-limit).

Proposition 13 caps California property taxes at 1% of the assessed value at purchase, plus a maximum 2% annual increase in assessed value regardless of market appreciation. This means your property tax is based on your purchase price, not current market value. For a $620,000 home, your base property tax would be approximately $6,200/year ($517/month) before any local assessments or exemptions. Source: California Board of Equalization (https://www.boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/prop13.htm).

California levies a documentary transfer tax at the county level of $1.10 per $1,000 of sale price (0.11%), typically paid by the seller. Some cities impose additional transfer taxes — San Francisco charges up to 2.75% on properties over $25M. There is no separate mortgage recording or intangible tax on the loan itself. Source: California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 11911.

A 20% down payment eliminates the requirement for private mortgage insurance (PMI) on conventional loans. On a $793,000 median California home, that is $158,600. For FHA loans, PMI (called MIP) is required regardless of down payment. For jumbo loans above $1,209,750, lender requirements vary but most require 20–30% down. PMI typically costs 0.5–1.5% of the loan amount annually.

California's primary programs are administered by CalHFA. The MyHome Assistance Program provides up to 3.5% for down payment or closing costs as a deferred loan. The Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan offers up to 20% down payment assistance in exchange for a share of future appreciation. Income and purchase price limits apply — for most Bay Area counties, income limits are around $300,000. Visit https://www.calhfa.ca.gov for current income limits and program availability.